Nonlinear Numerical Model of Two-Dimensional Generalized Consolidation of Unsaturated Soils

In General, the deformation of Unsaturated Soils ( loess, expansive Soil et al.) is complicated with 4 essential effects as follows: loading, wetting, temperature and creeping. A nonlinear numerical model for two-dimensional generalized consolidation of unsaturated soils without effects of heat, vapor flow and creeping, with consideration of coupling effects between pore water and air flow and nonlinear elastic deformation of soil skeleton is presented. A case history was analyzed numerically with this model, and compared with laboratory test result. It is shown that the model can be used not only to reveal the deformation of unsaturated soils due to loading, but also to simulate moisture flow and swelling or collapse deformation due to wetting in unsaturated soils.